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autoMedia CARnival 11-20-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:06:00 GMT

It's the week ending November 20, and we've browsed our favorite automotive ...(read more)

LA Preview: 2011 Mazda2

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:25:00 GMT

Mazda will introduce its award-winning Mazda2 subcompact to North America at the LA Auto Show. It is offered in sedan, three-door hatchback, and five-door hatchback body styles in other markets, though it looks like it will be the five-door that makes its American debut. The Mazda2 shares its platform with the much promoted Ford Fiesta, another international import being unveiled for the first time in American trim in LA. (Read: " Ford Fiesta to Arrive in 2010 .") Overseas, the Mazda2 is...(read more)

LA Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:19:00 GMT

Los Angeles kicks off the North American new-car auto show circuit on December 2nd when the LA Convention Center opens its doors to the media, ahead of the public days later that week. Among the unveilings being teased is an array of high-tech models from Mercedes-Benz, including the SLS AMG supercar, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTec and the fuel-cell-powered F-Cell. Mercedes will also show its first hybrid SUV, the ML 450 Hybrid, and its SplitView dual-content viewing technology that allows the driver...(read more)

Taking Turns: Adjustable Shocks

Editor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:33:00 GMT

Adjustable shock absorbers are readily available today. If you haven’t seen or touched them first hand, you’ve no doubt heard about them. Typically, these shocks are fitted with adjustment knobs on the outside of the absorber body. That means anyone can make a simple modification to the way a car or light truck handles. And most of these adjustments can be made without the use of hand tools. Fair enough, but what do these adjustments accomplish? More than you might think. Good, quality adjustable...(read more)

IIHS Names 2010 Top Safety Picks – Fewer Than Before

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced 19 car and eight SUVs as Top Safety Picks for 2010—far less than the 94 vehicles that earned the accolade for 2009. The IIHS has made the requirements to be named a Top Safety Pick more stringent by adding a roof strength test to measure protection in a rollover accident. In addition, the Picks also factor performance in front, side, and rear crashes the Institute performs, as well as the availability of electronic stability control...(read more)

All-new Ford Police Interceptor Coming in 2011

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:22:00 GMT

Ford has announced a replacement for venerable Crown Victoria full-sized sedan will see service in 2011 as a police interceptor. Though details are slim, Ford has declared that it will have a purpose-built car ready for duty when Crown Vic production ends in late 2011. Ford has owned the police cruiser market for years, commanding 75 percent of the U.S. business. Chevrolet and Dodge have sold cars in spurts, but both the Impala and Charger have compromises compared to the roomy, rear-drive Crown...(read more)

Book Signing: "Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman"

Editor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:47:00 GMT

Motor Trend Executive Editor Matt Stone will be at the Petersen Automotive Museum Saturday, November 21 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm signing his newly penned book, Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman , an in-depth look into Paul Newman's storied life as an automotive enthusiast and racecar driver. In his book, Stone writes about Newman's late but intense start into auto racing, his partnership with Chicago racing entrepreneur and team owner Carl Haas, and his colorful collection of cars. One such...(read more)

2010 Green Car of the Year Finalists Announced

Brandy Schaffels — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Green Car Journal has announced its five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year; for the fifth consecutive year, this prestigious award will be announced at the opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show on December 3....(read more)

Pondering One State's DUI Laws

Editor — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:21:00 GMT

The best anti-DUI message ever. “If you drink and drive, everyone will see you on a moped.” That’s the message the state of South Carolina is unintentionally sending. I think it’s the best anti-DUI message ever. (“Buzzed driving is drunk driving” is another good anti-DUI slogan.) All the rest are a waste of time and effort, especially among regular and serious drinkers. “Do you want your friends to see you on a moped?” is the only anti-DUI message that takes the glaze from teenagers’ eyes. In South...(read more)

Volkswagen Launches GTI with Online Game/Contest

Brandy Schaffels — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:21:00 GMT

Volkswagen is launching its newest GTI using an exclusively online campaign featuring a free downloadable racing game highighting the car and a contest giving away six real 2010 VW MkVI Limited-Edition GTIs....(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 11-13-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:36:00 GMT

It's the week ending November 13, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each....(read more)

Buick Reveals 2011 Regal

Brandy Schaffels — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:55:00 GMT

Buick will reveal the 2011 Regal sport sedan to Los Angeles journalists on Thursday evening with a private performance by singer Colbie Caillat. Touting its turbocharged horsepower, driver-selectable suspension system, and a firm, European-tuned chassis, General Motors promises it will deliver a driving experience intended to rival the best import sport sedans in the segment. "The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you've ever experienced from this brand," says Susan Docherty, general...(read more)

Ford Ranger, Ka Not Coming to America

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:50:00 GMT

Ford CEO Alan Mulally told Automotive News recently that the company would not be importing its global Ford Ranger pickup truck and Ka minicar into the United States, as previously thought. The Ranger built in Thailand, and sold throughout the world, is different and significantly newer than the model sold here, which has roots back to the 1990s. The Ka is considered too small for our market. Unstated, the Ka may also be too inexpensive to be profitable given transportation costs and exchange rates...(read more)

Sneak Peek: 2011 Volvo S60

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:24:00 GMT

Volvo is continuing its recent tradition of giving very early looks at upcoming models with this 2011 Volvo S60 preview. The relatively curvaceous styling was first seen at the 2009 Detroit auto show , where the concept gave a clear indication of the production styling. (See the S60 concept .) From the front, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the XC70 , and it is aerodynamic enough to forever erase the connotation that Volvo design equates to the classic, darn-near-bulletproof 240 boxes...(read more)

Charge! Cadillac Converj Plug-In Racing to Production

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:36:00 GMT

Word has spilled from the Motor City via The Detroit News that General Motors will produce the Cadillac Converj extended-range electric car. For industry pundits, it seemed predestined that GM would offer a luxury sibling to the much ballyhooed Chevrolet Volt. By packaging the innovative drivetrain in a Cadillac model, GM can amortize the investment across more sales volume. Just as significantly, a Cadillac sports car can absorb the cost for the expensive battery packs, and it will make the Volt...(read more)

SEMA: Beyond Horsepower with "Making Green Cool" X PRIZE

Brandy Schaffels — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:23:00 GMT

A real treat for treehuggers was SEMA's "Making Green Cool" section which featured many of the vehicle finalists of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE. ...(read more)

Preview Drive: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Editor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:10:00 GMT

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour launched to take on Venza and Murano What is a CUV (crossover utility vehicle), aka "crossover"? It's a careful blend of SUV and sedan, with close-to-car styling, handling and fuel economy. And it's where a majority of buyers are heading, some moving down from SUVs, others moving up from less practical cars. Honda's new-for-2010 Accord-based Crosstour CUV is essentially an Accord wagon with its roofline aerodynamically sloped instead of squared off...(read more)

Future Product Plans: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:23:00 GMT

Chrysler LLC hosted a multi-hour business plan meeting last week where the reborn automaker detailed its strategy for the next few years. Enabled by its new partner Fiat, Chrysler will consolidate platforms, expand product offerings, and aim to boost sales volume and profit. All while significantly increasing product quality. Sounds good so far. The basic breakdown begins with reducing the number of unique platforms. Aside from pickup trucks, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep count 11 platforms today. For...(read more)

SEMA: Chevrolet Camaro Synergy Green Machine

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:22:00 GMT

The halls and exterior space surrounding the Las Vegas Convention Center was awash in customized, high-performance machines last week at the Specialty Equipment Market Association ( SEMA ) show. Among the hundreds of project cars, the redesigned Camaro was well represented, with the 2010 Yenko Camaro , Lingenfelter Trans Am Concept , and twin-turbocharged Jay Leno Camaro all made their public debut. Among the many other show cars, the Camaro Synergy stood out as the ultimate green machine. Not, not...(read more)

Nissan Back on Track with 2010 Lineup

Editor — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:45:00 GMT

In the late ‘90s, Nissan brought a handful of automotive journalists into its California headquarters. The company was struggling, and it seemed as if the executives were looking for a magic solution. Frankly, it felt as if the company had gone insane. The car writers were unanimous in saying that Nissan was making some wonderful, powerful, sweet-handling cars. However, we added, the American public was hopelessly infatuated with giant sport/utility vehicles and pickups, and Nissan and its Infiniti...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 11-06-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

It's the week ending November 6, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each. ...(read more)

Pricing: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi sedan

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:50:00 GMT

Suzuki is coming out swinging with its all-new Kizashi sedan , striking at the vital midsized sedan segment. Each Kizashi features all-wheel drive and is motivated by a strong 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180-185 horsepower, depending on transmission fitment. The Kizashi looks poised to compete on personality, feature equipment, and value, with prices starting at $19,000 and peaking at about $27,000, plus $735 in destination charges. Even the base Kizashi S is well equipped with front...(read more)

Ford Introduces Inflatable Seat-Belt Airbag

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:03:00 GMT

Today, Ford introduced an to provide rear passengers with airbag protection. The airbags are concealed within special shoulder belts. Once deployed, the disperse the force over a wider area than a conventional belt, thereby reducing injury risks. Ford points to the benefits for children and the elderly, two groups that commonly ride in the second-row and are especially vulnerable to injury. (Read “ The Dilemma of Older Drivers .”) In the event of a crash, the airbag deploys in 40 milliseconds. This...(read more)

Quick Take Test Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

Editor — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:13:00 GMT

Having just spent some time in the Nissan 370Z, we were thinking about other great automotive performance icons and—voila—another great favorite appeared, the 2010 Mustang GT. Freshened Styling The 2010 Mustang isn’t entirely new, but it does have a fresh new look, and a big step up in interior quality, refinement and performance. On the outside, a new front end features a shorter grille, a more prominent power bulge in the hood, and a slightly chopped rear tail. The look is still pure Mustang, just...(read more)

SEMA: 2010 Yenko Camaro Unveiled

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:54:00 GMT

With the massive Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), there are performance vehicles of all stripes, but only one has the distinctive Yenko stripes. As previewed in the autoMedia blog , General Marketing Capital Incorporated ( GMCI ) showed a 2010 Yenko Camaro Prototype based on a Camaro SS . The Phase 1 Yenko boasts a supercharger to boost output to 600 horsepower, Tremec six-speed manual transmission, Hurst short-throw shifter, six-piston big brake package, and Magnaflow high-flow cat...(read more)